Medic One

The Medic One Program began in 1970 when the first group of firefighters were trained as paramedics in cooperation with Harborview Medical Center and the University of Washington. Since then, the Medic One Program has gained notoriety due to the training, dedication and pre-hospital emergency patient care paramedics deliver within the community. Medic One provides the community with Advanced Life Support (ALS) activities that, in the past, could only be performed by licensed physicians. In addition to responding to medical emergencies, medic units respond to all working fires, hazardous materials and rescue responses.

Paramedic Training

To become a paramedic, department firefighters must apply for the position and if accepted, begin a year-long training program under the close supervision of the Medical Director at Harborview Medical Center and veteran paramedics. Paramedic trainees must successfully complete this intensive hands-on training and instruction. After completion of their training, firefighter/paramedics are required to complete 50 additional hours of medical education annually. They are also required to document performance of required skills to maintain certification as an Advanced Life Support Paramedic by the University of Washington School of Medicine. These hours are divided into a formal lecture series relating to paramedicine, other medicine-related lectures, alarm review with the Medical Director and teaching EMS-related subjects.